1. Commodore's Comments
It is an honor to serve the members of this Club. I hope that in the coming year, I can add something of value as the many Commodores preceding me back to 1916 have done.
The members who have agreed to fill vital roles on various committees this year deserve our thanks. You will improve the Club for all and have a good time doing it. The members who contributed their efforts this past year also deserve our thanks.
I want to thank Dale and Susie Roberts and Ed and Elaine Jennerich for stepping into their respective roles as Vice Commodore and Rear Commodore. Thanks to Eric Wood and John Rogers for sticking with it. The bridge members have committed to communicate with and support one another. They have my full confidence and we are going to be a great team.
Some people talk of a Commodore's legacy. I have been asked what I want my legacy to be. I prefer to think instead of the legacy of this club. I don't think of legacy as things bought or built. Those things wear out. In its 91 years, the club has changed locations several times and had different club facilities. But the club itself moved forward, grew and developed not on its physical assets, but on the positive attitude and spirit of its members. This club we enjoy today could only exist due to the willingness of past members to build things that would long outlive them and to plan for the future beyond their life spans. If they could see and sense the pulse of the club today, would they regard us favorably? And what of those members yet to come? Will they honor our memory, thanking us for what we build for their time? If as a result of our members' efforts this year, the answer to these questions is yes, that will be a legacy.
In selecting volunteers to head the various committees, I sought members who have a healthy positive outlook and a forward-looking sense of pride in our club. I believe we are blessed with volunteers who are not asking what they can get out of the club, but what they can give. Every person in this life can make a unique contribution. Having potential but not using it is not a life, or a moment, or an association well lived. It is my hope that more will come forward and share the rewards of involvement.
After our members' hard work creating this club comes the payoff. The yacht club is about FUN and we have a busy social year ahead. By the time you read this column Dave ("I guess buying the food qualifies me to be called event chairman") Krows and Dean Lentgis and his master band of Greek chefs will have pulled off a successful Past Commodores Friday night social. Chairman Al Reiche and Parade King Nick Castrow and many volunteers will have made a fun-filled First Annual Closing Day. October brings us the Commodore's Ball early in the month (it's really about the members) and the Scotch, Steak and Cigar event chaired by Mark Vanderwall towards the end of the month. November and December are packed with events as well. But wait, there's more! January brings "Martini Madness", February the Sweethearts Dinner and on and on. Fleet Captain Paul Grimm plans a number of great cruises by land and by water. The Queen City Players are likely cooking up a doozy for the Bremerton skit. These are just a few of the fun events.
A couple of minor changes on the business front. A number of members have asked me to close the bar during meetings so that more members will stay through the meetings. I am going to do this, closing the bar at 1945 hrs. The bar will not reopen until after the bell sounds at the closing of the meeting. Some will see that as a negative, some as a positive. For those who see it as a negative, the upside is that after the meeting, the first round is on the Commodore and each member then in attendance will get a chit for that round on their way out. I will also ask that no BYOB go on in the clubhouse during the meetings.
Next, WIN-WIN! Many have an idea about what's wrong with the Club. That is negative. So what can you propose to make it better? That's positive! Here is your chance. Propose an idea that will make the club better for you and improve the club (a WIN - WIN). Here's the deal: the idea has to be presented in writing and be complete, be legally permissible within the Club Bylaws and Rules (remember house alterations have to go through the process), explain why it is a winner for you and the club, and be financially feasible and approved by the Bridge. If your idea is adopted, you will get one free breakfast, lunch or dinner and the thanks of your fellow members.
Finally, oceans of gratitude to my wife Cammy Mowery. Without you, none of life would be this much fun.
Bill McGillin
Commodore
